How Substance Use Disorders Affect the Brain with Dr. Brian Fuehrlein

https://youtu.be/D9d9iuFCru4

Substance use disorders are complex medical conditions that affect the brain’s reward system, behavior, and decision-making. Yet, despite decades of scientific evidence, misconceptions about addiction continue to fuel stigma, which creates barriers for people to seek treatment and receive the support they need. Improving public understanding of the science of substance use disorders is essential to reducing stigma and promoting compassionate, evidence-based care.

In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Brian Fuehrlein, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, explains the neurobiology involved in the development of substance use disorders, including how substances change the way the brain processes reward, motivation, and decision-making. Using patient and clinical scenarios, Dr. Fuehrlein discusses three common behaviors and manifestations of substance use disorder (denial, promises, and excuses), and how they can affect treatment, relationships, and perceptions of people struggling with addiction. He also highlights the importance of understanding substance use disorders as chronic medical conditions that require evidence-based treatment, just as other chronic illnesses do.

This lecture also explores how stigma can create barriers to care and demonstrates how seemingly small changes in language can shape attitudes toward people with substance use disorders. By understanding addiction as a medical condition and responding with person-first language, compassion, and evidence-based care, healthcare professionals and loved ones can better support people as they pursue treatment and recovery.